Discover…Experience…Explore a world of diversity in one Park…

Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River Valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s river mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.

The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area. Today this finely-tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 600 elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. The park can exclusively claim to be the only national park in the world to conserve the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the Algoa Bay coast.Plans are currently afoot to include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) Marine Protected Area which includes islands that are home to the world’s largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Vision

Addo Elephant National Park seeks to be fully integrated into the regional landscape. It conserves and enhances the characteristic terrestrial and marine biodiversity, ecological processes and cultural, historical and scenic resources representative of the Eastern Cape for the appreciation and benefit of present and future generations.

Five main attractions/things to experience:

• Lion (found mostly in the southern section of the park)
• Herds of elephant at Hapoor dam
• The Interpretive Centre at main camp
• The picturesque Zuurberg Mountain
• The rolling sand dunes of the Woody Cape section

Shamwari

This unique walking experience is ideal for guests looking for an adventurous and authentic option offering the ambience of a tented bush camp of old Safari lore. The camp is located on a plateau set amongst the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari. A truly magical setting awaits!!

This is a flexible experience for guests to explore Shamwari Game Reserve as we believe that the rigidity of travel needs to be simplified by going back to basics. This explorer camp reflects the original safari of being on foot and sleeping around the fire at night within the comfort of a bush tent.

Guests will enjoy walks through the magnificent Shamwari Game Reserve, whereby their guide will enhance their experience with birding, cultural history and other natural history of the area, along with ample opportunity of some Big 5 encounters.

General Information

• The Explorer Camp operates during the summer months with the first trail in October and the last trail at the end of April.
• Each trail is 2 nights with a set departure each Friday of the week (Sunday night can be added as an optional 3rd night on request)
• The walking trails are hosted and guided by an armed qualified walking guide
• Distances walked vary each day but can last up to 4 hours
• A game viewing vehicle remains in camp and depending on where guests walk that day, the trail may start from camp or depart camp by vehicle to visit another area of the reserve
• We regret that no persons younger than 16 years or older than 60 years will be able to participate.  However, if a medical certificate can be provided via the client or the booking agent, exceptions to this will be allowed.

Camp Site

The camp site is unfenced to provide the true explorer ambience and tents are placed in fairly close proximity without encroaching on another tents privacy. Wild animals are able to cross through the camp at any time and although all safety precautions have been followed in setting up the camp; this remains a reality.

Tents: 3 x Mobile canvas (camping) tents sleeping a maximum of 2 people each

Meals: All meals are prepared and enjoyed under the stars • Ablutions: 1 x Outside shower shared by all guests (water is heated via gas) 1 x Flush toilet shared by all guests

Tent details

• 2 x Fold out aluminium stretchers with individual duvets and pillows
• 1 x Three tier cupboard (small)
• 1 x LED light for night time use
• 1 x Outside hand basin (warm water is supplied on request or at first light in the morning)
• 1 x Hammock nestled next to amazing rock figs and basalt rocks
• Guest amenities include insect repellent, toilet paper, towels, tissues, sanitary bags as well as shower gel and shampoo

Lalibela

Learners

If you are you looking for an unforgettable holiday filled with the excitement of learning how to kiteboard on some of South Africa’s most beautiful coastline, then you have come to the right place.

We offer 7 day kite camps for all ages and sizes. All you need to do is arrive with your sunblock, hat and sunglasses in hand and we will take care of the rest. Your accommodation, breakfast and two traditional south African Braai’s are all included in the cost. Read more…

Explorers

Are you an intermediate kiteboarder looking for your next adventure to explore more of south Africa’s coastline. Maybe you’re looking to build up your confidence again after not riding for awhile or you just want to gain more experience riding more unfamiliar spots.
You could also be looking to work on your technique, jumping skills, transition turns, or wave riding. Why not join me on a 7 day kite camp, as we explore together using my local knowledge of the area and guiding you to build your confidence and progress your kiteboarding experience to the next level. Read More…

Thrill Seekers

Are you bored of riding in just one spot? Maybe you’re looking for a kiteboarding experience with a little more excitement. On our 7 day thrillseekers adventure,we inspire you to go the extra distance pushing the envelope and challenging your skills to the limit. As your guide and your mentor, I will be right by your side as we venture into undiscovered wild African coastline and explore new exciting spots on our downwind expeditions. Read More…